Microchipping Your Cat: Things to Know
Is It a Legal Requirement to Microchip Your Cat?
Yes. From 10 June 2024, it is a legal requirement to have your cat microchipped in the U.K. and registered on a government-approved register. A cat microchip is a small electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted under a cat's skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This microchip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a special scanner.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Purpose and Benefits of Microchipping your Cat
Identification
Permanent ID: Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification.
Unique Code: Each microchip has a unique identification number that links to the owner's contact information in a database.
Reunification
If a lost cat is found and scanned by a veterinarian, animal shelter, or rescue organisation, the chip will provide them with the owner’s details and reunite with their pet.
Microchipping Your Cat - Implantation Process
Procedure
The microchip is inserted under the cat's skin using a needle and syringe, like a vaccination and is quick with minimal discomfort to the cat.
Age for Microchipping
Microchipping can be done at any age, though waiting until the kitten is a few weeks old (usually 8 weeks old) and has reached a suitable size is often recommended. They must be microchipped if they are over 20 weeks old.
Animal Trust's Starter Pack includes vaccination, parasite treatment and microchipping - all for £85.
Registration
Database Entry: After implantation, the microchip number and the owner's contact information must be registered with a pet recovery database.
Update Information: If the cat gets lost, it's crucial to update the contact information to ensure successful reunification.
How the Microchip Works
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Passive Chip: the microchip does not have a power source; it is activated by the radio waves emitted by the scanner.
Data Transmission: When the scanner passes over the microchip, it transmits the unique ID number to the scanner's display.
Scanning
Widely available: most veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and rescue organisations have microchip scanners.
Quick reading: scanning is quick and painless, providing instant identification.
Important Thing to Know About Microchipping Your Cat
Not a GPS Device
No tracking: A microchip does not provide real-time tracking like a GPS device; it only provides identification when scanned.
Regular Checks
Annual scans: Ask the vet to scan the microchip during regular veterinary visits to ensure it functions correctly.
Complementary to Other ID Forms
Collars and tags: While microchips are permanent, using collars and tags with contact information provides an immediate way for someone to contact the owner if the cat is found.
Microchipping is a reliable and effective way to ensure that a lost cat can be identified and returned to its owner. It is a quick, safe, and permanent method of identification that complements other forms of ID and provides pet owners with peace of mind.
What Do You Do If the Cat No Longer Belongs to You?
If you no longer own a microchipped cat, updating the microchip registration information to reflect the new owner's details is important. This ensures that the cat can be returned to the correct owner if it is ever lost.
Steps To Follow If Transferring Ownership of a Cat
- Contact the microchip registry
- Contact information: You can usually find contact details for the registry on their website or through the paperwork provided at the time of microchipping.
- Update ownership information: Provide new owner details, including their name, address, phone number, and email.
- Authorisation: Some registries may require authorisation or confirmation from both the current registered owner and the new owner to update the details.
- Forms and fees: The registry might have specific forms to fill out for the transfer of ownership, and there might be a small fee involved.
- Submit documentation: Complete and submit any required documentation to the registry to finalize the transfer.
- The new owner should receive confirmation of the registration update, including any new identification numbers or reference information.
Cat Microchipping: Why Transfer of Ownership is Important
Accurate Information: Ensuring the microchip registry has the correct information is crucial for the cat's safety and for reuniting the cat with its rightful owner if it gets lost.
Taking these steps can help ensure a smooth transition and continued safety for the cat.
Regular Checks for Your Cat's Microchip
Annual Scans: Ask the vet to scan the microchip during regular veterinary visits to ensure it functions correctly.
Complementary to Other ID Forms
Collars and Tags: While microchips are permanent, using collars and tags with contact information provides an immediate way for someone to contact the owner if the cat is found.
Microchipping is a reliable and effective way to ensure that a lost cat can be identified and returned to its owner. It is a quick, safe, and permanent method of identification that complements other forms of ID and provides pet owners with peace of mind.